Government Orders CBI Probe into Alleged NEET Examination Irregularities New Delhi, June 22, 2024: In an unprecedented move to uphold the sanctity of India’s medical entrance examination, the central government has sanctioned a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into allegations of irregularities and paper leaks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This examination is a gateway for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical courses in the nation. This directive comes in response to multiple reports of unethical practices, ranging from impersonation to systemic cheating, across various examination centers. The Union Ministry of Education released an official statement…
Author: BRICS+ News Services
Concerns About Kaspersky Date Back to 2017 June 20, 2024, 4:16 PM ET • 4 min read The Biden administration has announced a comprehensive ban on the use of Russian-backed cybersecurity software within the United States, citing the potential for the Russian government to influence the software, as disclosed today by the U.S. Commerce Department. Concerns surrounding Kaspersky Lab’s software have been prevalent among U.S. government officials since at least 2017. Under Russian legislation, the Russian government retains unfettered access to all data held within Kaspersky’s systems, consequently granting potential access to the sensitive data of its global customer base.…
Is the End of the Petrodollar Near? By Hung Tran, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center June 20, 2024 Note to Readers: This article has been revised to correct a previous assertion. Saudi Arabia made no announcement on June 13 regarding oil trade in US dollars. There is no official agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia mandating oil sales in US dollars. As nations within the BRICS bloc and regions such as the Middle East and Asia increasingly utilize local currencies for cross-border payments, the dollar’s dominance in international finance, notably in global oil markets,…
Yerevan, June 22 (Armenpress) — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed its approval of Armenia’s decision to recognize the state of Palestine. This endorsement was conveyed through a statement issued by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry emphasized the importance of international acknowledgment for Palestine, urging particular attention from permanent members of the United Nations Security Council that have yet to extend recognition. This development marks a significant diplomatic stance as Saudi Arabia continues to advocate for broader global support for Palestine. Source: Armenpress
Curfew Imposed in Jodhpur Following Communal Clashes Jodhpur, Rajasthan – The city of Jodhpur witnessed severe communal clashes on Friday night, leading to a curfew being imposed in five police station jurisdictions. The incidents included stone-pelting and arson, escalating tensions in the Soorsagar area. On Saturday, local authorities confirmed that efforts were underway to control the situation and restore peace. According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Nishant Bhardwaj, a violent dispute erupted between two communities on June 21. "Stone pelting occurred, not only between the communities but also targeting police personnel. Utilizing all our forces, the situation was…
Russian authorities have formally dismissed Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov, who was previously jailed on bribery charges, and has been accused of leading an opulent lifestyle. According to reports from Russian media on Thursday, a court has extended his pretrial detention for an additional three months. Timur Ivanov, aged 48, is one among several senior military officials apprehended on charges of corruption in recent times. Ivanov had maintained a close association with Sergei Shoigu, the former Defence Minister, whom President Vladimir Putin replaced last month. Ivanov, arrested in April, faces accusations of accepting an especially large bribe. His legal representatives…
As Premier Li Qiang and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded their respective engagements in Southeast Asia this week, both leaders witnessed a region increasingly eager to affiliate with the BRICS economic bloc. This organization is perceived as a strategic counterbalance to institutions dominated by Western powers. In a pre-visit interview with Chinese media, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced his government’s intention to seek membership in BRICS. This statement follows the bloc’s significant expansion this year, which saw it attracting numerous Global South nations. The allure for these countries lies not only in the potential access to new financing avenues…
Russian and Chinese Diplomacy in South-East Asia Sparks Increased Interest in BRICS Bloc As Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang concluded separate diplomatic engagements in South-East Asia this week, they encountered a region eager to align itself with the BRICS economic consortium—a block increasingly perceived as a counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions. Thailand, a longstanding ally of the United States, announced its intention to join BRICS last month. "The bloc represents a south-south cooperative framework, which Thailand has long desired to be a part of," explained Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa to reporters last week. This move signifies a…
TEHRAN, IRAN – In the annals of Iranian history, Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti stands as a formidable figure, having served as the head of the Judiciary during the nascent years following the triumph of the Islamic Revolution. His tenure, tragically cut short, symbolizes a pivotal era; thus, Judiciary Week in Iran bears his name, as well as the names of 72 of his colleagues who were martyred in a notorious terrorist bombing in June 1981. The impending convening between Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, and the nation’s Judiciary officials is poised to delve into critical judicial affairs. As the event…
Dollar Experiences Slight Decline Against Brazilian Real, Capping Fifth Week of Gains RIO DE JANEIRO – June 21, 2024 In Friday’s foreign exchange markets, the U.S. dollar exhibited a modest dip against the Brazilian real, closing at R$5.441—a minor 0.39% retreat. Despite this single-day downturn, the dollar capped its fifth consecutive week of gains, reflecting a broader trend driven by global economic uncertainties and domestic fiscal concerns. On the preceding day, the dollar touched a significant high, marking its strongest level in nearly two years. By week’s end, the greenback achieved an overall weekly increment of 1.1%. The backdrop to…